Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes
Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with fresh spinach and a hint of chili heat for a quick, flavorful seafood dish. This seafood (low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Season shrimp with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add 4 cups fresh baby spinach. Toss gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and spinach, and toss lightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Chili Flakes low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
